Internal combustion engine fuel system



March 2, 1937. 0, BALL 2,072,353

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM Filed Dec. 20, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR FREDERICK 0. BALL ATTORNEYC).

March 2, 1937. F. 0. BALL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed D60. 20, 1934 INVENTOR FREDERICK O. BAL L..

A ma/:4,

Patented Ma 2, 1931 UNITED STATES .PATENT INTEitNAI COMBUSTION ENGINE FUEL.

. SYSTEM"" Frederick 0. Ball, Detroit, Mich., assignor. to

" Chrysler.Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Application December 20. 1.934, Serial No. 158,435 11 Claims. (c1. 123-141) 1o ter walls and the walls of the manifold branches.

Another object of the'invention is to provide means 1 of this character in an intake manifold which is adapted to centralize the liquid fuel that tends to now down the walls of the fuel mixture 15' inlet passage and to discharge it at a location in 3 the primary distribution zone of the manifold from which equal distribution of the fuel occurs between the various branches of the manifold.

A further object of the invention is to provide means in themanifold for centralizing and discharging the main portion of the unvaporized liquid fuel content of the fuel mixturesupply of a manifold onto a heated wall thereof.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means of this character which so equalizes the distribution of fuel between. the various branches of the intake manifold as to facilitate smooth, low as well as high speed operation of the engine with which it is associated, with a comparatively early spark advance, substantially.

lean mixture and relatively, large compression .ratio without causing pinging and accompanying power losses. i i i An additional object of the invention is to pror, vide intake manifold fuel centralizing means of this kind which materially increases the performance and economy of an internal combustion engine.

Another object of the invention is toprovide a" 4 fuel; centralizing device ,of this character which is adapted to maintain equal distribution of fuel. a between the various branches of a vehicle engine manifold while the latter is inclined during up' hlll and down-hill travel of the vehicle.

5' Other objects of the-'inventionare to provide spaced pairs of inwardly extending helically converging, vein-like baflies on the wall of the fuel mixtureinlet passage of amanifold for directing liquid fuel which normally flows along such walls so-away from the junction of the latter and the walls of the various branches of the manifold;

to provide pairs of vein-like baiiles of this .character, each of which may beconveniently constructed and-arranged to centralize the liquid 55 fuel thatnormally tends to flow along different I predetermined areas of the wall of the fuel mixture inlet so as to facilitate accurate pre-deter-' mining of the distribution of fuel to the'various -branches, particularly in intake manifolds in' which the film of liquid fuel on the mixture passage walls thereof varies in' thickness; and to provide fuel centralizingmeans of this kind which may be cast integral with the intake manifolds or formed independently thereof'from sheet metal and conveniently installed in intake manifolds of conventional constructions without requiring radical revision or reconstruction of the latter.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a pair of helically converging vein-like baiiles of this-kind in a fuel inlet mixture passage of a manifold which promotes the rotation of portions of the fuel mixture so as to centrifugally urge the liquid content thereof outwardly with respect to the inner edges of--- the bafiles so as to prevent spilling of such liquid fuel thereover; to provide baiiles of this kind which, though relatively narrow, are extremely effective 'in holding the liquid content of fuel mixture: against flowing over the bames, due to the centrifugal action they produce; to provide relatively narrow bafiles of this kind which present comparatively jnegligible physical andaerodynamic opposition to the flowlof the {fuel mixture and around which the air and vaporized fuel content of the latter may freely flow from the spaces between the bafiles, which progressively become smaller and smaller at'succes- 'sive cross-sections of the fuel mixture passage,

and into the portions of the passage adjacent such spaces.

The .above. being among the objects of the present invention the same consists in certain.

novel features "of'construction and combination of parts to be hereinafter described with reference .to the accompanying drawings, and then claimed; having'the above and other objects in view.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in, which: I

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevationalview of the internal combustion engine havingan intake manifold provided with my improved fuel centralizer.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the intake,manifold and fuel centralizer; F

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal, vertical sectionaLviw taken on theline III-111 of Fig. .2.

h Fig. 4 is a transverse, vertical, central sectional view taken on the line IV-IV of Fig: 2.

"Fig. 5. is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view of the, manifold and fuel centralizer illustrated in Fig.3, but showing the fuel ce'ntralizerdisposed in a 90 rotated position with respect to the location thereof shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical, longitudinal sectional view of an intake manifold having fuel centralizing means integrallycast therein and embodying a modified form of the invention.

Fig. '7 is a transverse, vertical sectional view taken on the line V'lI-VII of Fig. 6..

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken on 10 the line VIII-V1II of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view, similar to Fig. 4, but showing fuel centralizing means embodying a further development of the invention.

In Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, is illustrated an embodiment of the invention in a down-draft fuel mixture system of an internal combustion engine it] having an intake manifold H and an exhaust manifold l2. For the purposeof illustration, a six cylinder internal combustion engine 20 and a corresponding intake manifold is shown, it being understood that the invention may be used to advantage in internal combustion engines having a greater or lesser number of cyl inders as well as in up-draft internal combustion engine fuel systems.

- The intake manifold includes a central or primary distribution zone l3 and it is provided with an upwardly extending fuel mixture inlet tube l4 having a fuel mixture passage i leading 30 from the distribution zone l3. The upper end portionof the fuel mixture inlet tube I4 is provided with a substantially horizontallyiextending apertured flange IE to which a carburetor I1 is detachably securable by bolts or other suitable means. Extending outwardly from opposite sides of the distribution zone [3 are manifold branches l8 having fuel mixture passages l9 therein through which fuel mixture is conveyed to the outer end pairs of cylinders of the engine. 40 An intermediate manifold branch 20 extends substantially laterally of the length of the mani-i fold from the distribution zone l3 thereof to a port in the engine through which fuel is supplied to the intermediate pair 'of cylinders.

5 'jacent end portions of the passages of the manifold branches l8 and 20. openinto the distribution zone l3 and they are disposed in adjacent relationship with respect to each other, the adjoining wall portions of the branches being of 5 any desired angular or curved contour. Surrounding the adjacentend portions of the branches andthe distribution zone I3 is an exhaust jacket 2| having an open lower side 22 which is adapted to be arranged in communica- 55 tion with a suitable port (not shown) provided in the exhaust manifold 'i 2 for supplying some .of the exhaust gases'of the latter'to the jacket so as to maintain the distributionzone at a desired temperature during operation of the engine 60 In the formshown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive,

my improved fuel centralizing device includes a pair of sleeve sections 23 which, in the illustration shown, are substantially identical. Each sleeve section 23 comprises a fragmentary portion of a cylindrical tube having an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the fuel mixture passage IS in which itis removably mounted and supported in suspended relation by an outwardly extending radial fiang'e,24 seated in a shallow counterbored recess-24' provided in the outer extremity of the fuel mixture inlet Hi. When the carburetor is assembled on the flange l6 of the intake manifold there is provided between thelatter and the corresponding 75 flange of the carburetor a gasket (not shown),

The adupper extremity of the sleeve section, as viewed in Fig. 3, to a location substantially adjacent the discharge end of the fuel mixture inlet ll. From this location, the lateral sides of each sleeve section 23 and the corresponding portions of the flanges 25,thereof continue in substantially parallel relationship, and their outer edges are interconnected by a relatively narrow web 26 so as to provide a channel-shaped discharge element 21 at the lower end of each sleeve section.

The sleeve sections 23 need not necessarily be identical but they are preferably complementary at their wide or upper end portions so as to extend throughout the entire circumference of the outer extremityof the passage ill of the fuel mixture inlet Hi. If desired, these'sleeve sections may be made in one integral piece, the division of the device into two sections being recommended merely for purposes of convenience of manufacture.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the sleeve sections 23 are arranged so as to position the discharge elements 2! thereof in substantially transverse alignment with respect to the length of the manifold II and midway between the adjacent extremities of the manifold branch passages IS. The discharge element 21 extends beyond the inner extremity of the fuel inlet tube H and into the distribution zone l3 of the manifold.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 5, all parts of the structure including the sleeve sections. 23 thereof are substantially identical in construction to the corresponding parts shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 and they are designat ed by the same numerals used in the latter figures. In this instance, the sleeve sections 23, however, are located in a 90 rotated position from the locations thereof illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The channel shaped discharge elements 2! are symmetrically arranged on respectively opposite sides of the transverse central plane of the manifold and are substantially in alignment in the vertical plan'e of the axis of the manifold branch 20.

In Fig. 9 of the drawings is illustrated a further development of the invention, the manifold shown for the purpose of illustration being substantially identical to the manifold structure shown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, and the parts thereof being designated by corresponding numerals. The sleeve sections 23' of this form of the fuel centralizing means are substantially device and become parallel with each other throughout that portion thereof which provides.

the discharge element 21'.

' thereto.

aor assa' a 3 In, Figs. 6, 'l and 8 is illustrated an embodiment of the invention in which the fuel centralizing means is integrally cast with the struc-v ture of the intake manifold, the manifold shown 5 being substantially identical in external contour to the intake manifold illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive. It includes a central distribution zone 30, with which a fuel inlet tube 3| communicatea and manifold branches 32 extending 10 in opposite directions fromrespectively opposite 1 sides .of the distribution zone for supplying fuel mixture to the opposite end pairs of cylinders of an internalcombustionengine.

is provided for supplying fuel mixture to the intermediate pair of cylinders of the engine. The adjacent extremities of the manifold branches 32 and 33 have adjoining wall'portions which 20 may be formed to any desired angular-0r curvilinear conto r. v M Formed integral with the fuel mixture inlet 3| are substantially diametrically opposite pairs of helcally converging vane-like baflles 34' which 5 presets-inwardly radially of the fuel mixture'initlet passage.

distribution zone 0 of the manifold and they are located in lateral alignment with respect to the length of the manifold, providing liquid fue-l discharge elements'35 for discharglng'liqilld fuel at locations spaced from-the adjoining wall portions of the manifold branches, charge elements also direct the liquid fuel con-- 35 tent or the fuel mixture to a location in the distrlbutiofi zone from which equal distribution occurs with respectgto the adjacent erlds'of the passages of the manifold branches and the cyl.-

iriders of the engine they serve. A groove 36 isprovided in the wall of the fuel inlet tube adjacent the outer side of "eachvaneliire baffle 3t. The grooves 36 follow the contour of the baffles and provide recesses for. accommo-- dating theflow of liquid fuel in paths adjacent Although the discharge elements of the integrallyfcast fuel centralizing-means illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, are shown tobe symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal axis of the end branches 32 of the manifold, it should be-understood that the sections of the fuel centralizing device and the discharge cal plane of the manifold in an arrangement corresponding to that shown in Fig. 5 and the discharge elements. 35 may be curved inwardly as shownin Fig.9., V In the operation of an engine having a-manifold provided with the improved fuel centraliz- "O ingmeans, the unvaporlzed liquid fuel content of the fuel-mixturewhich normally tends to flow along the wall of the fuel mixture inletisdiverted from its normal course by the flanges 25 of the sleeve sections, or by' the bailles34, and t 6 discharged at predetermined locations in the distribution zone of the mani (1, preferably at portions thereof which are sp ed from the adjoining wall portions of the manifold branches. The helically converging contour of the flanges 70 25 and 25' shown in Figs. '1 to fij inclusive, and

Fig. 9,.resp'ectively, and the corresponding contour of the vane-like baflies'34, shown in Figs.

6, 7 .and 8, cause that portion of the liquid fuel content of the fuel mixture which normally tends 75.120 spread out over a comparatively large area An in-. I termediate manifold branch 33, which also com-v 35 municates directly with the distribution zone l3,

The converging end portions of each pair of vaneike baflies 34 extend into-the I These disof the wall of the-fuel mixture; inlet to be confined into relatively. narrow stream-like discharges which are accurately directed to those .portions of the distribution zone from which ,equal distribution between the various manifold 5 branches take place.

- The helical contour of the vane-like baflles causes rotation of the .fuel mixture as it passes through the fuel inlet; This rotary movement of the fuel mixture subjects the liquid fuel content 10 thereof to centrifugalaction thereby tending to urge the liquid outwardly with respect to the axis of the fuel mixture inlet. The liquid fuel isin this manner held against flowing over the edges of the bafliesand therefore there is no necessity 15 for the. use of comparatively wide bafllesfwhich would objectionably obstruct the passage of the fuel mixture through the inlet. The relatively narrow baflle permits the air and vaporized fuel content of the fuel mixture to flow freely there- 20 around from the spaces between adjacent pairs of helically converging baflles intothe adjacent portions of the interior of the fuel mixture inlet. This free passage of air and vaporimd fuel content of the fuel mixture from the decreasing is sprayed directly upon the lower wall of the distribution/zone which is heated sufliciently by exhaust gases, admitted thereto through the opening'fl, to vaporize such liquid fuel.

Where, as insome instances, the fllm of liquid fuel which normally tends to flow along the wall of the fuel mixture inlet varies in thickness at diverse portions, the vane-like baiiies may be so constructed and arranged as to, equalizethe dischargeof such liquid fuel-at selected locations in 415 the distribution zone. This can be conveniently accomplished by-including between the converging baiiies of one pair, a. greater portion of -the inner peripheral area of the fuel mixture inlet than that included-between the other pair of 50 bames. elements 35 thereofma fiif desired, be located on opposite sides of the centraltransverse v'erti-- Aninternal combustion engine having an in take manifold provided with any of the foregoing forms vof fuel centralizing means will, due a to the equal distribution of fuel to the various' cylinders thereof, operate smoothly with a comparatively'early spark advance and a substantially lean mixture. The extent to which the fuel is distributed with respect to the various cylin-' .ders of a multiple cylinder combustion engine also enables the employment of a comparatively large compression ratio without causing pinging and the accompanying power loss;

Although but several specific embodiments of i the invention are herein shown and described, it-

will be understood that various changes in the size,.shape and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention, and it is not-my intention to lilnit its scope other than by the terms of the appended claims.

'; What I claim is:

1. In an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold including a fuel mixture inlet passage and outlet branch passages leading from 78 said inlet passage; a fuel centralizer including a body portion adjacent the walls of said inlet passage for diverting the flow of liquid fuel from said walls including means extending from said body portion toward the axis of said inlet passage for confining the discharge of said liquid fuel at a location adjacent the longitudinal axis of one of said branch passages and spaced from the junctions of the wall of said inlet passage and the walls of said branch passages. I

2. Inan internal combustion enginehaving an intake manifold including a. fuel mixture inlet passage and outlet branch passages leading from said inlet passage; afuel centralizer in said manifold for diverting liquid fuel normally tending to flow along the wall of said inlet passage and means. extending inwardly toward the central axis of said inlet passage,- forming spaced channels for confining the discharge of selected portions of said diverted liquid fuel to opposite locations adjacent the open ends of said branch passages, one

of said discharge locations being substantially at the longitudinal axis of one of said branch passages. Y

3. In an internal combustion engine 'having an intake manifold including a fuel mixture inlet passage and a pair of outlet branch passages extending in opposite directions from said inlet passage; a fuel centralizer in said manifold for diverting liquid fuel normally tending to flow along the wall of said inlet passage including means for substantially equally dividing said liquid fuel with respect to said branchpassages and confining the discharge thereof to zones-of limited size, at least one adjacent the longitudinal axis of one of said branch passages, said ,means including helically extending vanes protruding inwardly from the wall of said inlet passage.

4. In an intake manifold having a fuel mixture inlet passage and outlet branch passages leading from said inlet passage; a fuel centralizer for diverting liquid fuel normally tending to flow along the wall of said inlet passage for substantially equal distribution with respect to said branches, said means including apair of converging helically extending vanes protruding inwardly extending beyond the discharge end of said in-.

let passage and having an adjoining web providing a channel for directing liquid fuel to a selected location in said distribution zone.

tube and having branch tubes communicating with and extending outwardly from the discharge end of'said inlet tube; a fuel centralizing device means including a tapered sleeve section disposed in said inlet tube and having helical edge portions extending inwardly of said inlet tube and converg- 6. In an intake manifold including a fuel inlet ing toward the discharge end thereof for diverting liquid fuel normally tending to flow-over a sub-- .stantial area of the wall of said inlet tube and discharging such liquid fuel at a predetermined location relative to said branch tubes.

7. In an intake manifold including av fuel inlet tube and having branch tubes communicating with and extending outwardly from the discharge end of said inlet tube; a fuel centralizing means including a pair of tapered sleeve sections disposed in said inlet tube, each having edge portions extending inwardly of said inlet tube and converging toward the discharge end thereof for diverting liquid fuel normally tending to flow over predetermined'areas of the wall of said inlet tube and discharging such liquid at'selected locations relative to said branch tubes respectively.

8. In an intake manifold comprising a fuel inlet 1 tube and having a pair of end branch tubes communicating with and extending outwardly from the discharge end of said inlet tube; a fuel centralizing device for diverting the liquid fuel normally tending to fiow over selected predetermined areas ing device for diverting the liquid fuel normally v tending to flow over selected predetermined areas of the wall of said inlet tube inclilding a pair of liquid fuel discharge elements, each having inwardly extending flanges forming channels having discharge ends located substantially in the vertical plane of the axis of one of said end branch tubes respectively. I

10. In an intake manifold including a fuel inlet tube having a pair of end branch tubes communi- 'cating with and extending outwardly from the dis-' charge end of said inlet tube; a fuel centralizing device fordiverting the liquid fuel normally tending to flow over selected predetermined areas of the wall of said inlet tube including a pair of sleeve sections each having a discharge element thereon and being adapted to be selectively positioned in said manifoldfor bringing said discharge elements into desired locations with respect to the adjacent extremities of said branch tubes, said discharge elements comprising channels for confining the fuel discharge intorelatively isolated zones.

11. Inan intake manifold includlng'a fuel inlet tube and having branch tubes communicating with and extending outwardly from the discharge 

